Dementia in dogs: Top 5 signs of the disease

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Dementia in dogs: Top 5 signs of the disease

Changes in appetite and difficulty opening doors can be warning signs that your dog may be developing dementia. This harsh reality is often associated with memory issues in older adults. However, dementia can also affect dogs.

Dementia Can Affect Dogs Too

If your dog is over seven years old and has experienced sudden behavioral changes, it could be a sign of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD). Dog trainer Lorna Winter explains that dementia in dogs is not the same as in humans. There are various dietary changes, medications, and behavioral therapies that can help. That’s why Ms. Winter recommends consulting a professional first.

She emphasizes that having a dog as a pet is not just about friendly cuddles and long walks. These animals, like humans, go through different life stages that come with certain challenges, new behaviors, and mood changes. Ms. Winter advises paying attention to the following warning signs that may indicate the onset of dementia in your dog.

Staring Into Space

Ms. Winter tells the Daily Mail that all dogs stare into space at one point or another, and it’s anyone’s guess what they’re looking at. According to her, these pets have a different vision than humans and are highly sensitive to smells. So, when they seem to be staring into nothingness, they might be trying to focus on a particular scent. From the outside, it may look like they are gazing into the void.

Dementia in dogs: Top 5 signs of the diseaseHowever, in older dogs, this vacant stare can be one of the signs of dementia. Ms. Winter notes that prolonged gazing into space or at the floor in an elderly dog can be a warning sign of this condition.

As dogs age, they typically slow down, and there may be a decline in cognitive and sensory functions. These animals are not trying to be disobedient or ignore their owners; it’s simply a part of aging.

Difficulty Performing Simple Tasks

If your senior dog struggles with basic tasks they used to perform easily, this could be another sign of dementia. For instance, you might notice them having trouble opening slightly ajar doors.

Usually, a dog knows to nudge the door with their nose or paw to open it and get inside. However, a pet suffering from cognitive decline is likely to just stare at the door. This happens because they can’t figure out the next step to open it.

As Ms. Winter points out, a dog may have been opening doors for years, but cognitive decline means their brain lacks the fuel to remember how to perform such simple tasks. Another classic example is “forgetting” how to turn around corners.

Sudden Loss of Interest in Food or Forgetting to Eat

When dogs suffer from dementia, they experience anxiety and stress because they feel less secure in their environment and with the people around them. According to Ms. Winter, this can lead to a loss of interest in food, or the dog may simply forget to eat.

Dementia in dogs: Top 5 signs of the diseaseSometimes, there are cases where dogs with dementia eat more than usual because they forget they’ve already eaten. The trainer notes that in any case, closely monitoring the eating habits of your senior dog is a good way to spot any signs that something might be wrong.

Restlessness and Barking at Night

In young dogs, nighttime barking can be a sign of anxiety. However, in older animals (aged seven and up, depending on the breed), restlessness and barking at night can indicate age-related dementia.

Indoor Accidents

Senior dogs often “have accidents” indoors if they are suffering from canine dementia. This is another factor to consider and watch for as a sign of this age-related condition.

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